EXCLUSIVE

THIS November could be the last that Remembrance Day is marked in Bromsgrove in the time honoured and moving way – unless the town's British Legion can persuade new young recruits to join its ranks.

Many of the 'old guard' who have carried on the legion’s proud traditions ever since the Bromsgrove branch was formed in 1923 want to stand down.

Faced with the problem of a dwindling and ageing membership, the branch recently held an extraordinary general meeting to discuss its future.

Currently it has 55 paid-up members on the books It resolved to have one further shot at encouraging new members and has arranged a crunch meeting at the DDS and S Club in Stourbridge Road for October 15. Then it is hoped new members will come forward with enthusiasm and ideas to fill vital roles on the committee to ensure the legion maintains a presence in Bromsgrove.

Terry Groves, from Harwood Park, who has been chairman for 10 years and who is about to retire, did not mince his words: “This is a make or break meeting. The branch needs you if we are to survive, he said.

“If key roles are not filled we may have to close at the end of the year.”

New members, he added, need not have served in the armed services. They can derive much satisfaction and fulfilment from helping with the wide and varied aspects of welfare work for service personnel and their dependents for which the legion is well known.

Poppy appeal organiser Fred Pearson from Rubery, who is also standing down, is proud that last year the branch raised nearly £14,000 – some of which will help needy members in the town.

“Basically we want a new committee with new ideas,” he said. “It is essential we have a strong branch to have any chance of getting our own social club again.

All paid up members and anyone interested in keeping the branch alive is welcome to attend the meeting which starts at 7.30pm.